Woman jailed for not returning a video rental from 2005

Feb. 15, 2014
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by Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY

by Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY

In a move that makes those overdue library book fines seem insignificant, a Pickens, S.C., woman was arrested for the failure to return a Jennifer Lopez movie she rented in 2005.

Kayla Michelle Finley, 27, was charged with the misdemeanor of petty larceny in relation to a missing video tape of the movie Monster-In-Law, according to Fox Carolina and WYFF4 in Greenville, S.C.

She was arrested on Thursday and spent the night in jail, says WYFF4.

According to warrants, Finley rented the movie in 2005 from the now-defunct Dalton Video. She was sent letters to return the video several times but never responded, according to a warrant, say Fox.

Pickens County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Creed Hashe told WYFF4 that when Finley didn't return the movie, the owner of Dalton Video went to a Pickens County magistrate who issued an arrest warrant.

After her Thursday arrest, she spent the night in jail until her bond hearing Friday morning, says WYFF4.

A judge issued a $2,000 personal recognizance bond Friday morning and she was released.

Finley denies getting any warnings about the video, says Fox Carolina, and said she will fight the charges against her.

A South Carolina Facebook user named Kayla Finley posted a response on Fox Carolina's Facebook page that said she never received notices about the video and that the claims against her are "bogus."

In a separate response, the same Facebook user said: "I didn't rent a movie with the intent of keeping it," adding that at the time she had to move out of the state and "forgot all about it."

At press time, the Pickins police department didn't respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. USA TODAY also sent Finley a Facebook message requesting comment, but didn't get a reply by press time.

Many Facebook users said the arrest seemed absurd and wondered why she would be charged for such a minor offense. Some defended the action of the police and said the owner of the video store had a right to go after those who didn't return rented videos.

Others poked fun at the movie title chosen.

"She actually did the world a favor...she got one copy of that horrible movie off the market!" said Facebook user Lynn McGarity Sarmento.